Health - Heart and Stroke Foundation encourage people to “Act FAST”

In today's show, we spoke to Lucy Gericke - A registered dietician for the Heart and Stroke Foundation to tell us more about how “Acting FAST” can save a life. On the 29th of October was World Stroke Day and it is reported that you only have three hours to get help for a stroke before you risk permanent disability. The World Stroke Campaign aims to disseminate essential life-saving information and share knowledge about actions and lifestyle behaviors that could avert the assault of stroke. Stroke is the third biggest cause of death in our country and a leading cause of adult disability as its effects can be devastating and include brain damage which manifests as weakness or paralysis, sensory disturbances, pain, speech problems and memory and emotional disturbances. Therefore this year the World Stroke Organisation is appealing and encouraging individuals to act fast, know what to look out for and how to react, particularly in the first three hours after a stroke because it can save a life and prevent brain damage. The following is recommended such as ask the person to show their teeth or smile and see if one side of the face droops or does not move as well as the other, ask the person to lift both arms up and keep them up and see if one arm does not move or drifts downward when extended, ask the person to repeat a short sentence (e.g. “it is a sunny day in Cape Town”) and see if the person uses the correct words without slurring and make a careful note of the time of onset of symptoms and call for help urgently if you spot any one of these signs. The risk of stroke can be reduced by properly treating and controlling conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat) and diabetes. For more For further information you can contact the foundation on 0860 1 43278 (0860 1 HEART) or visit www.heartfoundation.co.za 

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